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adj. firm·er, firm·est 1. Resistant to externally applied pressure. 2. Marked by or indicating the tone and resiliency of healthy tissue: firm muscles. 3. Securely fixed in place: Despite being hit by the car, the post was still firm. 4. Indicating or possessed of determination or resolution: a firm voice. 5. Constant; steadfast: a firm ally. 6. a. Not subject to change; fixed and definite: a firm bargain; a firm offer. b. Unfluctuating; steady: Stock prices are still firm. 7. Strong and sure: a firm grasp. tr. & intr.v. firmed, firm·ing, firms To make or become firm. Often used with up. adv. firmer, firmest Without wavering; resolutely: stand firm. [Middle English ferm, from Old French, from Latin firmus; see dher- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] firmly adv. firmness n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
n. 1. A business enterprise. 2. An unincorporated business, particularly a partnership. 3. The name or designation under which a company transacts business. [Italian firma, from firmare, to ratify by signature, from Medieval Latin firmāre, from Latin, to confirm, from firmus, firm; see dher- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
